Giving to others can mean more than just donating money. Volunteering your time connects you directly with your community and with those in need. That’s why most Friday mornings from 5:00 to 8:15 you’ll find Ira Riklis serving nutritious hot breakfasts and sack lunches to the hungry and homeless for New York City’s Central Synagogue Caring Committee. He’s been doing so week in and week out—holidays included—for nearly twelve years now.
The Caring Committee began serving meals more than twenty-five years ago in response to an appeal from Mayor Ed Koch. The need (at the time thought to be temporary) has grown larger and more urgent in the years since. Many of the homeless who come for meals have (low-paying) jobs or are looking for employment as they try to rebuild their lives. Ira Riklis knows that for these people the meals are a lifeline. The Central Synagogue Caring Committee is the only food kitchen in the area with morning hours designed to give them a boost as they start their day.